Search - Woody Russell :: Time To Go

?Time To Go?, Russell?s third CD release to date, continues to explore his trademark ?ethereal Americana? style. Woody Russell offers 12 captivating new songs that do justice to the craft of songwriting. Clearly becoming more comfortable with his diverse musical background, the songs on this recording move smoothly from rockin? Delta slide guitar riffs and gritty vocals to somber storytelling ballads. His custom ?resolectric? guitar conjures up a wicked banjo-type sound on several tracks that is strangely powerful and absolutely unique to this release. The entire performance from his band is stunning and well produced, with lush vocal harmonies and haunting instrumental textures throughout. Continued respect for earlier American roots music, such as the blues and traditional country, is always present in his songs. A slight lean toward an ?alt-country? sound is present on many of the tracks and there are hints of some of his more obvious influences throughout the album. Richard Thompson, Bruce Cockburn, Van Morrison, and even Tom Waits are reflected in some slight way. ?I welcome their influence on my songwriting. I can?t go wrong by paying close attention to the work of artists that I consider to be absolutely masterful songwriters and musicians. It helps my own songs continue to grow. It?s obviously best to study the source of great songs if you want to write great songs. The creative sources that I draw from have always run deeper than current trends and, as of yet, withstood the test of time. I want my songs to hold their magic for my listeners for years, not just chartable success. Not that a well crafted pop hit is any less of a great song than a classic album cut, but there is always room for songs that go a little farther than the current hit single dictates. Audiences are also interested in something with a little more depth. Something that takes a couple of listens to absorb. Hopefully, my songs can help satisfy that desire.? Standout tracks begin with the opening song, Not Lay Down And Die. Funky, bone-slide guitar picking sets the CD in motion with a hook that resonates with the spirit of a Delta blues ? ?I?m still here and I?m gonna testify / That I?ve been run ragged / But I will not lay down and die.? Star Girl follows with its slick, bluesy groove and slightly estranged character portrayal, perhaps a nod to early Steely Dan. Been So Good To Me.com, is absolute tongue-in-cheek fun in pure Woody Russell style that takes shots at ?dot-com? types. Through stinging Irish fiddle influenced guitar riffs the lyric states wryly that ? ?The dot com millionaires advise that this microbrew?s great, man / This town?s been so good to me / Get me the hell out of here, Honey.? The title track, Time To Go, finds Russell and his listeners in a laid back mood, cruising down a road of departure from the past; perhaps with Van Morrison on the radio ? ?I?ve got friends who are happy to stay where they?ve been /God bless their souls / But the lines on my face suggest that I step up the pace / So it?s on with the show / It?s time to go.? The subtle shuffle of You?ve Got Me Wrong, frankly tells about Russell?s encounter with everyone who has ever offered, or rather, insisted that their uneducated opinion be heard regarding his work. With wry humor he states ? ?So that?s your opinion / A slim chance you?re right / Don?t push it on me / I don?t need it tonight.? Reflective, and at times bittersweet and witty, this collection of songs on ?Time To Go? delivers an unquestionable feeling that Woody Russell sings with sincerity about what he sees and feels in the current world around him, and the future that lies ahead.